Adam Shankman Biography

A native of Los Angeles, Shankman developed a love for the theater at an early age. After high school, he moved to New York and attended Juilliard in the dance program for two years.

After five years of work as an actor/dancer in New York and regional theater, Shankman moved
back to Los Angeles and began dancing in music videos, including those of Paula Abdul and
Janet Jackson. He also performed at the 1989 Academy Awards.

At age 24, Shankman teamed up with influential video director Julian Temple and began working
as a music video choreographer. One of the first videos he choreographed was Whitney Houston's
I'm Your Baby Tonight. He has also choreographed videos for The B-52's, Barry White, Aaron
Neville, Chic and Stevie Wonder.